According to a Bloomberg report, Apple plans to update its map service, Apple Maps, using photos taken by remote-controlled drones.

The drones should, in particular, capture street signs, any changes to the design and layout of the streets as well as any roadworks, and are to be deployed in addition to the camera-equipped minivans. Apple has already obtained authorization from the American Federal Aviation Administration FAA. However, in the US these commercial drones are not permitted to fly over buildings or persons.

Apple’s camera-equipped vans have been taking photos of European streets since 2015 to catch up with its competition Google Street View and Bing Maps. These vans haven’t been used in Germany yet. However, according to a
report by the Berliner Zeitung
, the computer giant operates a secret laboratory in Berlin, where its employees deal primarily with integrating subways, buses and streetcars into Apple Maps. (Source: Bloomberg/
rf
)